2027 elections: Minister Umahi gives conditions for PDP, opposition to campaign in Ebonyi

The Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, has given conditions for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposition political parties to campaign in Ebonyi state, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on Friday, during an inspection of Phase Two of the Calabar-Abuja Superhighway at Ado in Benue state, Umahi dismissed the idea of any political “rainbow coalition” in Ebonyi State involving him and other political interests.

He said his Ebonyi state remained fully aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the political direction of the state.

Responding to a question about his relationship with former Rivers state Governor Nyesom Wike and whether he was forming a “rainbow coalition” in Ebonyi, Umahi said, “If Wike has candidates here, he has not told me. And his candidate cannot break our relationship, but his candidate is not part of our relationship.”

He reiterated his criticism of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ebonyi, recalling that he had left the party after what he described as its failure to adequately recognise and serve the interests of the Southeast.

“We supported PDP. We voted for presidents in PDP. And when it was our time for them to honour us, they did not honour us. They maltreated us,” Umahi said, adding that he remained confident in the APC and its candidates in Ebonyi state.

He nevertheless said political opponents were free to campaign in the state, provided they did so peacefully.

On the political situation in Ebonyi, Umahi said anybody seeking to campaign in the state was free to do so, but warned against attempts to foment crisis.

“Nobody can foment crisis in Ebonyi State. Anybody that wants to campaign, come and campaign. But don’t dish out hate speeches and you want to take those speeches, and you want that we should lay a red carpet for you. We will not do that,” he said.

Umahi’s son in politics

The minister also addressed questions concerning his son, who was nominated by Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru as Chairman of Ohaozara Local Government Area.

Umahi clarified that the nomination was made by the governor, not by him, and said he had instructed his son to uphold transparency, honesty and prudent management of public funds.

He said his son had promised not to collect salary or allowances and urged him to ensure equitable development across all 11 council wards rather than favouring his home community.

“I’ve advised him, don’t do anything for the people of Uburu because you are from Uburu. It has to be equitably distributed among the eleven council wards in Ohaozara Local Government,” Umahi said.

He added that the governor’s decision to nominate his son was personally significant to him because, in his view, it demonstrated the governor’s appreciation of their relationship and the contributions of the past administration.

Criticism of Peter Obi

Umahi also responded to the argument of Peter Obi savings in Anambra,
“You can’t save food where the people are hungry,” he said, arguing that infrastructure investment creates assets that can support economic activity and improve connectivity.

Responding to questions about his criticism of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, Umahi said his concerns were based on policy, political messaging and what he described as the use of ethnic and tribal sentiments in political discourse.

The minister recalled his working relationship with Obi during their years as governors and said they had attended meetings of the Southeast Governors’ Forum, when Obi was chairman of the forum.

Umahi argued that political promises should be assessed against previous records and measurable achievements rather than solely on campaign declarations.

“If the past outing you cannot have something to verify, then you cannot be assured of the promises of the second time,” he said.

On the 2027 presidential election, Umahi said his support for President Tinubu was based on his belief in the President’s vision and reforms.

“What gave rise is because I believe in President Bola Tinubu. I believe that he’s the one called of God. I believe in his vision. I believe in his reforms. I believe he’s the best person that I have worked with and for, and I’m very proud of working for him and working with him,” he said.

He argued that continuity was important for major infrastructure projects because changes in administration could affect their implementation, particularly projects that require several years to complete.

“If, God forbid, another person says he’s President, all these projects will be stalled. And I don’t think Ebonyi wants their projects to be stalled,” Umahi said.